Acute pancreatitis is inflammation common in the pancreas, which lasts from a few days up to several weeks and is presented with pain in the upper abdomen.
Pancreas: What It Is and What Is Its Function
The pancreas is an important gland with an elongated shape, located in the abdomen between the stomach and the vertebral column. It is a gland with endocrine and exocrine functions. Therefore, the pancreas secretes the hormones it synthesizes into the blood and produces enzymes that are essential for the digestive process.
The production and secretion of hormones occur through endocrine structures located inside the organ: the pancreatic islets. Hormones produced by the pancreas, such as insulin and glucagon, are essential for regulating the blood sugar level.
Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis
We are talking about acute pancreatitis when the pancreas suddenly becomes inflamed. Pancreatitis can manifest itself with different intensity and duration and can resolve itself in a few days or last several weeks.
Generally, pancreatitis develops as a result of a gallbladder stone. More rarely following an episode of alcohol abuse.
The most common symptom of pancreatitis is pain in the upper abdomen, affecting the back. If the inflammation is more aggressive, the patient may also develop nausea, vomiting, and fever and, in cases of greater severity, septicemia, and respiratory and renal insufficiency.
The Fundamental Tests for the Diagnosis
Pain, specific and localized, is the first alarm bell that the specialist will consider during the checks. Following clinical evaluation, tests will also be required to confirm the diagnosis. In particular, blood tests allow one to analyze the levels of enzymes such as amylase and lipase, which can signal an alteration of the pancreatic tissue if they are higher than they should.
Other useful tests, especially in the case of more aggressive manifestations of the disorder, are ultrasound, to detect the presence of gallstones, and CT scan of the abdomen with contrast medium.
The Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis
Treatment of acute pancreatitis varies according to the severity of the disorder. When the disease occurs in a mild form, the patient is generally subjected to a drip to supplement those liquids that have been lost and must observe between 2 and 3 days of fasting.
When pancreatitis manifests itself more aggressively, hospitalization in intensive care may be necessary or, in rarer cases, surgical intervention.
The Importance of Nutrition
Nutrition is always an essential factor in abdominal inflammation, and the Mediterranean diet can help restore the balance of the pancreas. In particular, patients should increase the daily intake of legumes, vegetables (especially green leaves), fruit (including dried), whole grains, white meats, and foods rich in antioxidants. However, the consumption of animal fats and sugars is not recommended.